Sears 944.36201 User Manual
Owner's Manual
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
3.5 Horsepower
20" Side Discharge
Model Number
944.362010
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ................... 6-7
Operation ........................................... 8-10
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11
Maintenance .................................... 11-14
Product Specifications .......................... 12
Service and Adjustments ...................... 14
Storage ................................................. 15
Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17
Repair Parts ..................................... 18-19
Sears Service ......................... Back Cover
LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON COMPANION POWER MOWER
For one (1) year from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at
Sears option free of charge parts which are defective as a result of material or work-
manship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Power Mower (Gas) will be ninety (90) days from date of purchase if used
for commercial or rental purposes.
This Warranty does NOT cover:
1. Pre-delivery set-up.
2. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, filters and spark plugs.
3. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to operate and maintain the equipment according to the
instructions contained in the Owner's Manual.
Warranty service is available by returning the Companion Power Mower to the nearest
Sears Service Centre/Department in Canada. This warranty applies only while this
product is used in Canada.
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal
rights you may have but shall run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation.
Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an implied warranty
will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.
SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
_,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_, CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I= GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the machine before
starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals,
who are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
2
anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
, Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
, Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
o Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never
run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine
(motor).
, If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.
U.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
-Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
R
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
Parts packed separately in carton
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
(4) Wheels
(1) Control Bar
Parts Bag contents not shown full size
(1) Discharge Guard
(1) Lower Handle
(1) Upper Handle
(1) Engine Zone
Control Cable
(4) Spacers
(1) Wire Tie
Rope Guide
(1) Upstop Bracket
4
Parts Bag contents shown full size
@
(4) Hex Bolts
3/8-16 x 1
(4) Washers 7/8"
(4) Shoulder Bolts
(4) Flange
Locknuts
3/8-16
(2) Washers 1-1/4"
(4) Locknuts
3/8-16
(2) Washers 3/4"
(2) Hex Bolts
1/4-20 x 1-1/2
(2) Hex Bolts1/4-20 x 3/4
(1) Hex Washer Head Self-tapping Screw #10-24 x 1/2
©
(5) Locknuts
1/4-20
R
_CAUTION: Do not operate this mower
without the discharge guard or an entire
approved grass catcher in place. These
guards are for your protection and are
required by the American National
Standards Institute and Consumer
Products Safety Commission.
ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to
assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(1) 5/16" Wrench (1) Adjustable Wrench
(1) 7/16" Wrench (1) 9/16" Wrench
(1) 1/2" Wrench (1) 3/4" Wrench
When right hand or left hand is men-
tioned in this manual, it means when you
are standing in the operating position,
behind the handle.
UNPACKCARTON
1. Remove all loose parts from carton.
2. Examine all items. Compare with list
of unassembled parts and hardware.
3. Remove lawn mower housing with
care. Avoid touching blade under
housing. Always wear gloves or other
protection when working under or
lifting mower.
ASSEMBLE LOWER HANDLE
NOTE: For ease of lower handle assem-
bly, raise rear of deck and block securely.
1. Position lower handle on deck so cut-
off flat is forward as shown.
2. Align holes in handle with holes in
deck as shown and assemble 3/8-16 x 6
3/4 hex bolts, flat washers, and
Iocknuts. Tighten securely.
3. Repeat for opposite side of mower.
Flat washers Locknuts
Hex
bolts
ASSEMBLE UPPER HANDLE
1. Position upper handle over lower
handle with small hole for mounting
up-stop bracket to right side and
assemble 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 hex bolts and
1/4-20 Iocknuts. Tighten securely.
ASSEMBLE UPSTOP BRACKET
2. Position upstop bracket on the right
inside of upper handle as shown.
3. Install the hex washer head screw into
the hole in up-stop bracket and upper
handle. Tighten securely.
AS VIEWED FROM FRONT OF MOWER
Up-stop
bracket-
Hex
washer
head \ /- -_',
screw - \ \
\
Lockouts
ASSEMBLE WHEELS
Cutting height is determined by assem-
bling the wheels in one of four possible
positions on the mower housing. All
wheels must be in the same height
position for even cutting.
1. For each wheel, assemble shoulder
bolt and spacer as shown
2. Assemble 1-1/4" diameter washer
(rear wheels only) and 3/8-16 Iocknut
on inside of mower housing and
tighten securely.
1-1/4"
(rear wheel only)
Mower housing
Shoulder
bolt
3/8-16
Wheel Locknut
ASSEMBLE DISCHARGE GUARD
1. Place discharge guard on top of lawn
mower discharge opening.
2. Install two (2) 1/4-20 x 3/4 hex bolts
through housing and discharge guard,
3. Install two (2) 3/4" diameter washers
and two (2) 1/4-20 Iocknuts. Tighten
securely.
Locknut.=
Washers
ASSEMBLE ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CABLE TO ENGINE
Cable attaches under brake arm cover,
(opposite side of engine as spark plug).
1. Straighten cable and find the end with
the small plastic fitting.
2. Hook "Z" bend fitting on inner wire of
cable into hole in brake arm of engine.
3. Align tapered end of small plastic
fitting with hole in mounting bracket
and push until fitting snaps into place.
bracket
Small plastic Brake
fitting arm
ASSEMBLE ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CABLE TO UPPER HANDLE
Attach cable opposite upstop bracket.
1. Route cable below crossbar of lower
handle and up to control bar.
2. Hook "Z" bend fitting on inner wire into
hole in control bar.
3. Attach cable fitting to upper handle.
4. Secure cable to lower handle with
wire tie.
bar
Upper
Discharge guard
Hex
INSTALL CONTROL BAR
1. Position control bar so flattened
section with hole is on opposite side
of handle as up-stop bracket.
2. Insert one end of control bar into
handle hole on inside of handle.
Carefully push in on opposite end of
control bar and insert into hole on
opposite side of handle.
Up-stop
bracket
zone
control
cable
INSTALL STARTER ROPE
1. Put threaded end of rope guide
through hole in side of upper handle
above lower handle crossbar. Secure
with 1/4-20 Iocknut.
2. Hold control bar against upper handle
and slowly pull engine starter rope out
until it will slip into loop of rope guide.
Upper
Rope
Engine
,p bracket 7 starter rope
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the iliustralJons with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with
the location of variouscontrolsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand there meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY
_perator presence control bar
Starter handle
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Gasoline filler cap_
Discharge guard
Primer
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
tums when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must be
held down to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
8
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